20-Day India to Australia Trip Itinerary: Explore Sydney, Melbourne & Great Barrier Reef

Day 1: Arrival and Sydney Introduction

Sydney, Australia on December 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Bills Sydney

Start your Australian adventure with a healthy, fresh breakfast at Bills Sydney in Surry Hills, known for its ricotta hotcakes and seasonal dishes.
AUD25, 1h

10:30am

Sydney Opera House Tour

Join a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House to explore this architectural marvel and learn about its history and design. Open daily 9am-5pm.
AUD42, 1h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at The Rocks Café

Enjoy classic Australian cuisine at The Rocks Café near Circular Quay, famous for great views and fresh seafood.
AUD40, 1h

1:30pm

Walk around The Rocks and Sydney Harbour Bridge

Explore The Rocks historic area on foot, then stroll to the Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic harbour views.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Royal Botanic Garden

Unwind at the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden, a great spot to relax and enjoy views of the Opera House and harbour.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quay Restaurant

Experience fine dining with spectacular harbour views at Quay, one of Sydney’s top restaurants. Make reservations in advance.
AUD150, 2h
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Day 2: Sydney Sights

Sydney, Australia on December 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Three Blue Ducks

Enjoy a farm-to-table inspired breakfast at Three Blue Ducks at Bronte Beach, offering organic, fresh menu items.
AUD30, 1h

9:30am

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Embark on a scenic 6km coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach with stunning ocean views and beaches.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Coogee Pavilion

Dine seaside at Coogee Pavilion, offering fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere.
AUD45, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Art Gallery of New South Wales

Explore Australian and international artworks including Aboriginal art. Open daily 10am-5pm, free entry.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mr. Wong

Experience upscale Cantonese cuisine at Mr. Wong in the CBD, known for its extensive menu and vibrant ambiance.
AUD70, 2h
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Day 3: Blue Mountains Day Trip

Sydney to Blue Mountains, Australia on December 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast before your day trip to Blue Mountains.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Blue Mountains Guided Tour

Take a full-day tour to Blue Mountains National Park including Echo Point, Three Sisters, and Scenic World. Tours run from 8am to 6pm.
AUD120, 10h

6:30pm

Dinner at Darling Harbour

Return to Sydney and enjoy dinner at one of Darling Harbour’s waterfront restaurants, such as The Ternary, serving modern Australian cuisine.
AUD65, 1.5h
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Day 4: Sydney Leisure Day

Sydney, Australia on December 4, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Koffee

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast at Koffee in Surry Hills, perfect for a relaxing start.
AUD20, 1h

10:30am

Taronga Zoo Visit

Visit Taronga Zoo to see native Australian wildlife and enjoy spectacular harbour views. Open 9:30am-5pm.
AUD49, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Taronga Zoo Café

Eat lunch inside the zoo offering views over Sydney Harbour with casual meal options.
AUD25, 1h

3:00pm

Manly Beach Ferry and Walk

Take a scenic ferry to Manly, stroll the beach and enjoy local shops. Ferry runs daily every 30 minutes from Circular Quay.
AUD15, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Manly Wharf Hotel

Dine at this popular eatery with views of the marina, known for fresh seafood and local beer.
AUD60, 2h
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Day 5: Fly to Melbourne

Sydney to Melbourne, Australia on December 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before your flight to Melbourne.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Flight Sydney to Melbourne

Catch a morning flight from Sydney to Melbourne, approximately 1h 30min flight time.
AUD120, 2h including airport time

12:30pm

Lunch at Hardware Société

Enjoy French-inspired brunch fare at Hardware Société, a Melbourne favorite open from 7am to 3pm.
AUD30, 1h

2:00pm

Walk Federation Square and Flinders Street Station

Explore central Melbourne landmarks and the Yarra River precinct.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit National Gallery of Victoria

Check out Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, open 10am-5pm daily, free entry for permanent collections.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chin Chin

Savor modern Thai cuisine at the ever-popular Chin Chin, open nightly until 11pm; reservations recommended.
AUD70, 2h
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Day 6: Melbourne City Tour

Melbourne, Australia on December 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Higher Ground

Start your day at Higher Ground with inventive breakfast dishes and excellent coffee.
AUD30, 1h

9:30am

Melbourne Laneways Walking Tour

Take a guided walking tour to discover Melbourne’s famous street art, hidden laneways, and unique cafes. Tours run daily at 10am.
AUD35, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Queen Victoria Market

Sample diverse food stalls at the iconic open-air market, open 6am-3pm (closed Mondays & Wednesdays).
AUD20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building

Discover local history, culture, and science exhibits; open daily 10am-5pm. Entry AUD15.
AUD15, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Carlton Gardens

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through this UNESCO World Heritage site next to the museum.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Movida

Experience delicious Spanish tapas in a lively atmosphere at Movida in Hosier Lane.
AUD65, 2h
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Day 7: Great Ocean Road Day Trip

Melbourne to Great Ocean Road, Australia on December 7, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for a full-day Great Ocean Road tour.
Included, 30m

7:00am

Great Ocean Road Guided Tour

Travel along the Great Ocean Road to see highlights like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and coastal cliffs. Tours operate 7am-7pm.
AUD140, 12h

7:30pm

Dinner Back in Melbourne

Enjoy a casual dinner near your hotel, such as Pizza e Mozzarella Bar, featuring authentic Italian pizza.
AUD40, 1.5h
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Day 8: Melbourne Leisure Day

Melbourne, Australia on December 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Kettle Black

Enjoy a stylish café experience with lovely dishes emphasizing seasonal ingredients.
AUD30, 1h

10:00am

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Explore the sprawling botanical gardens with a variety of native and exotic plants; open dawn to dusk, free entry.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lune Croissanterie

Taste some of the world's best pastries and coffee at Lune, open from 7am to 2pm.
AUD25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Melbourne Aquarium

Discover unique marine life; open 9:30am-5pm. Entry AUD42.
AUD42, 2h

5:00pm

Coffee Break at Degraves Street

Relax with a coffee at one of the many cafes in this popular laneway filled with street art and independent stores.
AUD10, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cumulus Inc.

Enjoy modern Australian cuisine in an airy setting with great wine options.
AUD65, 2h
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Day 9: Fly to Cairns

Melbourne to Cairns, Australia on December 9, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before your flight to Cairns.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Flight Melbourne to Cairns

Fly from Melbourne to Cairns, approximately 3h 20min flight time.
AUD200, 3.5h including airport time

12:00pm

Lunch at Caffiend

Enjoy a vibrant café lunch with excellent coffee and fusion dishes; open 7am-3pm.
AUD30, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Cairns Esplanade

Stroll along the scenic Cairns Esplanade, visit the Lagoon for a swim, and enjoy local markets.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ochre Restaurant

Taste native Australian ingredients served with a modern twist at Ochre, open 5:30pm to late.
AUD70, 2h
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Day 10: Great Barrier Reef Adventure

Cairns, Australia on December 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast to prepare for a full-day reef tour.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour

Take a full-day snorkeling or diving tour to the Great Barrier Reef. Boats depart around 8:30am and return around 5pm; includes lunch.
AUD220, 9h

7:00pm

Dinner at Salt House

Dine waterfront with views over Trinity Inlet, offering modern Australian seafood and steaks; open 5:30pm-10pm.
AUD70, 2h
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Day 11: Rainforest and Daintree

Cairns to Daintree Rainforest, Australia on December 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast before your Daintree rainforest day trip.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Guided Daintree Rainforest Tour

Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest, visit Mossman Gorge, spot wildlife, and learn about local Aboriginal culture. Tour runs 8am-6pm.
AUD130, 10h

7:00pm

Dinner at locally recommended spot in Cairns

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Nu Nu Restaurant with great locally sourced fresh meals.
AUD55, 1.5h
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Day 12: Fly to Brisbane

Cairns to Brisbane, Australia on December 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before your flight to Brisbane.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Flight Cairns to Brisbane

Fly approximately 2h 40min.
AUD160, 3h including airport time

1:00pm

Lunch at Julius Pizzeria

Authentic Napoli-style wood-fired pizzas in Brisbane’s West End neighborhood, open 11:30am-9pm.
AUD25, 1h

2:30pm

Explore South Bank Parklands

Enjoy walking along the Brisbane River, visit Streets Beach and arts precinct; open all day, free entry.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Stokehouse Q

Upscale dining on the riverfront with strong focus on local produce and seafood.
AUD80, 2h
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Day 13: Moreton Island Day Trip

Brisbane, Australia on December 13, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast preparing for Moreton Island adventure.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Moreton Island Day Tour

Enjoy snorkeling, sand tobogganing, and dolphin feeding on this island day trip. Tours from Brisbane depart early and last about 9-10 hours.
AUD150, 10h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Charming Squire

Have a relaxed dinner at this brewery in Brisbane’s CBD, with great craft beers and hearty meals.
AUD45, 1.5h
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Day 14: Brisbane City & Lone Pine

Brisbane, Australia on December 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at King Arthur Café

Start your day at this quirky café with fresh, organic dishes; open 7am-3pm weekdays.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Visit

Meet and cuddle koalas, feed kangaroos at the world’s largest koala sanctuary. Open daily 9am-5pm.
AUD39, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Eat Street Northshore

Sample various street food vendors at this vibrant market open Fridays-Sundays 4pm-10pm (check schedule).
AUD30, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Queensland Museum and Sciencentre

Explore natural history and science exhibits located in the South Bank cultural precinct; open 10am-5pm, free entry.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gerard’s Bistro

Enjoy creative Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine in a lively spot in Fortitude Valley.
AUD70, 2h
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Day 15: Drive to Gold Coast

Brisbane to Gold Coast, Australia on December 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before driving to the Gold Coast, about a 1-hour trip south.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Beach Day at Surfers Paradise

Relax, swim or try surfing at the famous Surfers Paradise Beach; open all day, free entry.
Free, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Betty’s Burgers

Enjoy classic American-style burgers in a fun 50s-style diner atmosphere; open 11am-9pm daily.
AUD25, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Cavill Avenue Shopping and Entertainment

Browse shops, cafes, and enjoy street performances along the vibrant main street of Surfers Paradise.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Charis Seafoods

Savour fresh local seafood in a casual setting near the beach.
AUD60, 2h
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Day 16: Theme Park Day

Gold Coast, Australia on December 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before your theme park adventure.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Visit Dreamworld or Warner Bros. Movie World

Spend a full day at one of the major Gold Coast theme parks (open 10am-5pm). Choose Dreamworld for rides and wildlife or Movie World for movie-themed fun.
AUD90, 8h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hog's Breath Cafe

Enjoy hearty casual dining with a focus on prime rib steak and burgers after a fun day of thrills.
AUD50, 1.5h
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Day 17: Lamington National Park Day

Gold Coast, Australia on December 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before a rainforest day trip.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Lamington National Park Guided Hiking Tour

Explore ancient rainforests and waterfalls on this guided hike. Park open 24/7 but guided tours run typically 8am-4pm.
AUD100, 8h

6:30pm

Dinner at Rick Shores

Enjoy trendy Asian fusion cuisine overlooking Burleigh Heads beach.
AUD80, 2h
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Day 18: Leisure Gold Coast

Gold Coast, Australia on December 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Paddock Bakery

Relaxed breakfast in a rustic setting with great pastries and coffee.
AUD25, 1h

10:00am

Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Get close to Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos and lorikeets; open 8am-5pm.
AUD50, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Beetle Shack

Enjoy sushi and Asian-inspired dishes with fresh, local ingredients.
AUD30, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Broadbeach and The Star Casino

Walk along Broadbeach, visit shops and The Star entertainment complex.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Social Eating House + Bar

Relax with a modern Australian tasting menu in one of Gold Coast's finest restaurants.
AUD80, 2h
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Day 19: Return to Brisbane

Gold Coast to Brisbane, Australia on December 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last Gold Coast breakfast.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Drive to Brisbane Airport

Prepare for your return flight to India, driving about 1 hour to Brisbane airport.
AUD50 (taxi or car rental), 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Brisbane Airport

Grab a meal at one of the many eateries in the international terminal.
AUD20, 1h

3:00pm

Flight Brisbane to India

Depart Brisbane for your return journey, check flight timings as per booking.
Varies, Varies
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